Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to acknowledge the three staff who have worked with and supported me over the past nine years that I have served as the member of Parliament for Okanagan—Shuswap. They are Jeannette Gasparini, my Ottawa executive assistant; in the riding, Penny Renyk, my constituency office manager; and, Tammy Martin, my constituency community and communication assistant, who has ensured that I was at the right place, at the right time, saying the right things. These ladies have made being an MP easy, and I thank them.
I also thank the many people from the constituency who have served on my EDA board and those who have worked on my three successful election campaigns.
I thank my bride of 45 years for making everything I do better. Without her at my side, I am only half the servant I should be. I know she will be missed by all of the MP and senator spouses whom she has encouraged over the years.
I thank the Prime Minister for being a principled and courageous leader. It has been an honour to be part of his team.
Finally, I thank all of those in this place who serve our great nation. May God bless them as they serve, and may God bless Canada.